Tethered and untethered microrobots for biomedical interventions

CIC nanoGUNE Seminars

Speaker: Zhi Chen
TU Dresden
When: 2025/09/08
11:00
Place: CIC nanoGUNE seminar room, Tolosa Hiribidea 76, Donostia - San Sebastian
Host: Mariana Medina-Sánchez
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Tethered and untethered microrobots for biomedical interventions

This seminar introduces magnetic microrobotic systems designed to enhance minimally invasive surgery and assisted reproductive technologies. We present two complementary platforms. The first is a multifunctional magnetic microcatheter, rapidly fabricated with programmable magnetization and tunable stiffness. It operates in three modes: a guiding catheter with adjustable rigidity, a tetherless tubular microrobot for payload release, and a hybrid-propulsion device for stable intracorporeal navigation. These capabilities were validated in complex 3D models, ex vivo tissue, and live mice. The second platform is an untethered magnetic spiral micromotor that captures, transports, and releases embryos, with real-time ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging enabling precise in vivo tracking. Together, these systems demonstrate functional synergy: the microcatheter deploys micromotors at target sites, while the micromotors perform fine-scale manipulation. This collaborative strategy integrates design innovation, multimodal imaging, and advanced control, representing a step forward in the precision and effectiveness of biomedical interventions.